AseanPlus News

Iran's Araqchi blames the US for Strait of Hormuz tensions but calls for diplomacy

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said regional issues should be resolved through diplomacy and blamed the United States for insecurity and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, speaking at a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday.

Nation

Six men detained to assist probe into abuse of Indonesian woman

BUTTERWORTH: Police have detained six men to assist investigations into the abuse of an Indonesian woman in Tanjong Sepat, Selangor, in a raid at a business premise at Pusat Perniagaan Oren, Jalan Merbau, here on Monday (Oct 19).

Nation

Socioeconomic inequality also a challenge to national unity, says deputy minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Socioeconomic disparities and social inequality are among the challenges that must be addressed to strengthen national unity, alongside issues involving religion, race and the royal institution (3R), says Deputy Minister of National Unity R. Yuneswaran.

Nation

Govt refining proposals to improve National Haze Action Plan, says PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is refining proposals to improve the National Haze Action Plan, particularly regarding school closure directives and the Education Ministry's (MOE) early preparations to ensure learning can continue if schools are forced to close.

AseanPlus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Monday (Oct 19, 2026)

Here's a look at the news highlights from Asean countries in the Star-AseanPlus section for Monday (Oct 19, 2026).

AseanPlus News

Fed sees AI boom adding to inflation headache, but others may pay for the medicine

Hammack says higher rates could cool economy at margins largely outside AI boom as ADP's Richardson says small businesses, consumers may bear brunt of further hikes.

South Korea

South Korean sect leader gets an additional 33 years in jail for sexual assaults

The leader of the South Korean religious sect Jesus Morning Star was sentenced on Monday to a further 33 years in jail after being found guilty of sexually assaulting and abusing female followers.

AseanPlus News

Japan and the US kick off joint drills around islands as regional tensions rise as the Philippines joins the exercise

Japanese and US troops on Monday kicked off one of their largest joint exercises focusing on the defense of Japan's southwestern islands and showcasing advanced weapons systems in the face of growing tension in the region.

Technology

Supreme Court rejects Google challenge to US patent agency review policy

WASHINGTON, Oct 19 (Reuters) - The US ⁠Supreme Court declined on Monday to hear a challenge by Alphabet's Google to a US Patent ⁠and Trademark Office rule that the company argued has insulated older patents from validity reviews and ‌helped fuel a surge in patent litigation.

AseanPlus News

Miss Universe Singapore 2026 set for Puerto Rico finals as franchise dispute eases

Entrepreneur and model Vion Erico Tan, crowned Miss Universe Singapore 2026 on Oct. 13, is expected to represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe finals in Puerto Rico.

Nation

Govt mulls implementing eKYC verification for online gaming, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will examine the feasibility of expanding the implementation of electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) verification and age verification to online gaming platforms such as Roblox, says Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

Myanmar

Myanmar authorities release rare images of Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar's military-backed government on Monday released rare photographs of the country's imprisoned former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, saying that officials had delivered her books and letters from Britain's King Charles.

Singapore

Singapore vows tougher legal action against companies linked to haze

Singapore has vowed to use all available legal and regulatory measures against companies potentially linked to the haze that has blanketed several Southeast Asian countries, including introducing new laws if necessary.

Entertainment

Taiwanese singer Jeffrey Kung marks Malaysian heiress wife's birthday in Paris

Kung surprised his wife with a romantic lunch overlooking the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Nation

Malaysia wants 50% of its highways equipped with smart tech

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to equip at least 50% of its 34 expressways with Smart Highway technology to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow and boost transport system efficiency.

AseanPlus News

Vietnam's Nguyen Anh Minh targets Asia-Pacific Amateur victory to inspire the country's next generation

For Nguyen Anh Minh, winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship would mean more than earning a place in golf's biggest tournaments.

Indonesia

Indonesia probes 98 cases involving firms linked to fires; discusses assistance with Singapore

Indonesia is investigating 98 cases involving corporations linked to forest and land fires – some with ties to foreign parties, including those from neighbouring countries.

AseanPlus News

Myanmar coffee sector eyes bigger access to huge Chinese market

Myanmar's longstanding ties with China and geographical proximity to the Chinese market offer significant opportunities for the country's coffee industry, an industry representative said.

AseanPlus News

Fundraising to protect oceans, forests and other key nature sites falling short ahead of UN summit

Efforts to raise hundreds of billions of dollars to preserve the world's oceans, forests, rivers, lakes and other parts of the natural world have fallen short ahead of a key U.N. summit on biodiversity.

AseanPlus News

China-Laos train shuttle continues to thrive as China Railway passenger trips hit a record high in the first three quarters

China's railway network handled 3.71 billion passenger trips in the first three quarters of 2026, up 4.8 per cent year on year, the highest for the period.